'Don't believe him': Internet skeptical as Trump says states should decide abortion law after he refuses to endorse national ban

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: Former President Donald Trump has finally declared his clearest stance on abortion rights after months of speculation, leaving the legislation to states without endorsing a national ban, the Associated Press reported.

On Monday, April 8, the GOP presumptive nominee shared his take on the issue through a video message on his Truth Social platform.

"Many people have asked me what my position is on abortion and abortion rights," Trump said. " My view is now that we have abortion where everybody wanted it from a legal standpoint, the states will determine by vote or legislation or perhaps both. And whatever they decide must be the law of the land — in this case, the law of the state."

Donald Trump boasts about overturning Roe v Wade

Trump did not mention an exact time limit for the abortion ban but supported three exceptions, including rape, incest, and risk to the mother's life.

Regarding the number of weeks until abortion can be allowed, he pointed at the present legal landscape with each state following different restrictions after the Supreme Court's 2022 ruling, Dobbs v Jackson Women's Health Organization, which overturned Roe v Wade.

"Many states will be different. Many will have a different number of weeks or some will have more conservative than others and that's what they will be," Trump said. "At the end of the day it's all about will of the people."

The former president, during a radio interview in February, hinted at banning abortion at 15 weeks of pregnancy.

In the video, Trump doubled down on his pride in upending Roe v Wade, the 1973 SCOTUS decision that protected the right to abortion. He said he was "proudly the person responsible" for the Supreme Court ruling that took the matter "out of the federal hands and brought it into the hearts, minds, and vote of the people in each state."

Post Roe v Wade, nearly 12 states have restricted access to abortion, the latest being Trump's home state in Florida, where the state Supreme Court allowed a 6-week abortion ban.

Pro-life groups dissatisfied with Donald Trump's stance

Trump's decision to leave the abortion legislation to states without a total nationwide ban has left pro-life advocates disappointed.

Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of SBA Pro-Life America, a prominent anti-abortion group in the US, said in a statement, "We are deeply disappointed in President Trump's position. Unborn children and their mothers deserve national protections and national advocacy from the brutality of the abortion industry. The Dobbs decision clearly allows both states and Congress to act."

Sen Lindsey Graham, a congressional backer of Trump, "respectfully" disagreed with the White House hopeful's decision, which did not align with his 15-week national ban.

Former VP Mike Pence, who refused to endorse Trump, in an X post, said the stance was "a slap in the face to the millions of pro-life Americans" who earlier supported the ex-president.

Internet in doubt

Despite Trump's remarks, leaving the final decision on the abortion ban to states, netizens remained skeptical, suggesting he was lying.

One user wrote, "He’s a liar. Don’t believe him. He’ll say anything to be elected."

"Sure I trust him he has never told a lie before to get ppl to vote for him," another mockingly stated.

A third user remarked, "He left himself plenty of wiggle room." A fourth response read, "Meaning he’s scared to lose votes. He’ll do exactly what the evangelicals want him to do in the end."

"Get him on record saying he won’t sign it if it comes to his desk. Bet you can’t," someone else chimed in. Whereas an individual quipped, "Cause he is known for his honesty."

A skeptical user wrote, "He's straight up lying. First chance Republicans get they will pass a national abortion ban with zero exceptions," and another remark read, "Right up until the nationwide ban crosses his desk …"

"Unless he gets elected and then he will ban it Federally!" another user said.

 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.